Tap root | Fibrous root |
Tap root has only one main and long root. The smaller roots that grow from the main root are called lateral roots | Fibrous roots do not have a main root. All roots are similar |
Tap root grows vertically deep into the soil | Fibrous roots are short and most of them grow horizontally in the soil |
Tap roots are found in plants which have reticulate venation in their leaves | Fibrous roots are found in plants which have parallel venation in their leaves |
Tap root is much longer and has extremely large surface area | Fibrous roots are short and have small surface area |
A single plant has only one tap root | A single plant can have hundreds of fibrous roots |